This is a strategy guide for the Ganondorf Boss in Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Including Ganondorf's location, how to defeat Ganondorf, combat patterns, tips, and strategy.
All Boss GuidesTable of Contents
Ganondorf Location
| Location | Ganon's Castle |
|---|
Boss Movements
| Movement | Effect |
|---|---|
| Ball of Light | Fires a ball of light that brings down the floor when it hits |
| Multi Ball of Light | Fires 5 balls of light simultaneously. Will also cause the floor to collapse when hit |
How to Defeat Ganondorf
- Double Your Magic and Defense Before the Fight
- Stock Up on Magic Potions Before the Fight
- Reflect Energy Balls Back with Sword Attacks
- Follow Up with Light Arrows After a Hit
- You can use the Longshot on the red walls - Knock Boss Down with Light Arrows During Windup
- If you can't make it in time, reflect with a Spin Attack - Descend When Things Get Dangerous
In the Ocarina of Time Ganondorf boss fight, reflect his energy balls with your sword to stagger him, then follow up with Light Arrows to knock him down. Once he's down, use the Longshot to close the gap and attack with your sword. Magic is essential, and incoming attacks deal heavy damage, so prepare before the fight.
Double Your Magic and Defense
| Stat | Where to Double It |
|---|---|
| Magic Gauge | Death Mountain Crater |
| Defense | Ganon's Castle |
The Ganondorf fight deals heavy damage, and Magic is essential for the battle. Taking a detour to double your Magic and Defense beforehand will make the fight significantly easier, so it's highly recommended to power up your stats first.
Great Fairy Fountain LocationsStock Up on Magic Recovery Items
| Potion Type | Effect / Notes |
|---|---|
| Blue Potion | - Fully restores health and magic - Unlocked via a side event / requires an Empty Bottle |
| Green Potion | - Fully restores magic - Requires an Empty Bottle |
When the Ganondorf fight begins, your health is fully restored, but your Magic is not. Since Magic is essential for the fight, bring potions to restore it if you run out.
Empty Bottle LocationsReflect Energy Balls Back with Sword Attacks
Most of Ganondorf's attacks are energy balls. Strike them with your sword to reflect them, and rally them several times to stagger Ganondorf. Fight from the corner platforms, which cannot be destroyed.
Vertical Slash While Z-Targeting for Easy Reflections
The easiest way to reflect Ganondorf's energy balls is with a vertical slash. Z-targeting is unavailable during the fight except when Ganondorf is staggered or knocked down, but pressing ZL changes your attack to a vertical slash.
Follow Up with Light Arrows After a Hit
When an energy ball hits Ganondorf and staggers him, it's your chance to knock him down. Fire a Light Arrow to knock him down, then use the Longshot to close in and attack with your sword. Once he gets back up, return to the wall and wait for the next energy ball.
The Longshot Works on the Red Walls
The recommended way to move around is by using the Longshot on the red walls at the corners. Energy balls and recovering from knockdowns will destroy floor tiles, reducing your footing, but using the Longshot lets you move safely without risking a fall.
Knock Boss Down with Light Arrows During Windup
During the energy ball barrage, you can knock Ganondorf down by hitting him with a Light Arrow during his windup. The windup is easy to recognize as he raises both hands with a burst of intense light and lasts for a long time. This is easier than rallying the energy ball, so take the opportunity whenever it appears.
If You Can't Make It in Time, Use a Spin Attack
You can also knock Ganondorf down by reflecting his energy ball barrage with a Spin Attack. If you can't fire a Light Arrow in time, use a Spin Attack to reflect the energy ball instead.
Descend When Things Get Dangerous
If your health or Magic runs low during the fight, you can retreat to the lower area. Ganondorf won't attack until you return to the upper area, allowing you to recover safely. The lower area is the same one you passed through before the fight, and its pots contain health and arrows. However, they will be empty if you collected them before the battle.
Ocarina of Time Related Articles
All Bosses List
Gohma
King Dodongo
Barinade
Phantom Ganon
Volvagia
Dark Link
Morpha
Bongo Bongo
Twinrova
Ganondorf
Final Boss
